Guard Tillman Pollock in Ireland

Two projects in Galway, Ireland, by Mark Guard of Guard Tillman Pollock are a study in contrasts—one is a modern reinterpretation of a traditional Irish country house, the other is an ancient stone barn made contemporary. Before founding London-based firm Guard Tillman Pollock in 2002, Mark Guard worked in the UK, Ireland, and North America for firms such as Richard Rogers Partnership, Rick Mather Architects, and Eva Jiricna Architect. Guard's practice, which has as its goal "the development of elegant, functional, and modernist design," has won many awards, including the RIBA Award for Houses and Housing for a rooftop apartment in Paris, which was subsequently short listed for the Stirling Prize for Architecture. GALWAY HOUSE Above: "Our clients shared our affection for traditional rural Irish buildings; the simple, rectangular form of the house stands abrupt and proud in the tradition of the Irish farm house," according to the architects. Above: A glossy green Aga range anchors the white kitchen. Above: The interior is open plan, to take advantage of the natural light. GALWAY BARN Above: The exterior of the rambling stone barn in Kilkenny, on Ireland's south coast. Above: Guard added modern elements while preserving the integrity of the stone structure. Above: An unapologetically modern kitchen stands in contrast to the barn's humble origins. Above: The double-height interior mixes the old (rustic stone walls) and the new (ebony-stained wood floors, pure white walls). Above: A loft offers additional lounging space. Above: A modern bath with skylight.